By Attorney Howard Iken: The Florida House has voted in favor of the new Florida alimony and custody law. The vote was 85-31. The law now goes to the Governor to consider for signature. It is the opinion of this writer that the Governor will sign the new law. The law would be effective on July 1st, 2013.
The new alimony and custody law will dramatically restructure alimony and custody decisions in Florida. For alimony, it will eliminate permanent alimony, cap alimony amounts and length of awards, provide for retirement, strengthen the cohabitation statute, and prohibit consideration of incomes for new spouses. The new custody law will create a new starting point before other factors are considered – 50/50 custody.
The new law has far reaching effects on existing cases and already-complete cases. We plan to post an in-depth analysis if the new law is signed by Governor Scott.
READ THE CHANGES IN FLORIDA ALIMONY LAW